Discrimination is hopefully something that you'll never experience in your career. However, as companies are actively seeking a more diverse workforce, being aware of the rules and regulations in place to minimise discrimination is important for all employees.
Grad Central has compiled the following information for you to find out more about discrimination regulations and how they affect you in your daily work life.
Employers that promote diversity and equal opportunities
Graduates that are actively seeking employment can look for employers that promote equality and diversity within their workforce. Many companies in the West Midlands have taken actions to eliminate discrimination and have introduced fair and equal opportunities for all employees, and many have sought to achieve Diversity Accreditation to enforce the importance they place on this issue, look for the Equality Assured and Diversity Assured symbols. Starting from application procedures through to evaluations and promotions, businesses have fully embraced the regulations to protect graduates and other groups from any sort of discrimination.
Learn more about discrimination at work and how to resolve it
As a graduate, you can protect yourself from discrimination or unequal treatment by learning more about your employment rights or finding organisations that can provide professional advice or counselling.
Age discrimination:
It is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees because of their age. There are some cases where employers might have to take special measures to protect the safety and welfare of individuals because of age reasons, but all other aspects of your employment should not be concerned by your age.
Ethnical & race discrimination:
The UK is a multicultural society, and it is important that this is reflected in the workplace. Tolerance and understanding are crucial to multicultural interaction. It is illegal for any employer to discriminate against an employee based on their colour, nationality or ethnic origins.
Gender discrimination:
The 1975 Sex Discrimination Act means that employers are not allowed to discriminate against any employee because of their marital status or gender. In some cases an employer may take "positive action" in order to redress the balance within their workforce. In addition, the 1970 Equal Pay Act ensures that employers must supply the same pay and work conditions regardless of gender.
Disability discrimination:
The Disability Discrimination Act helps employers to act responsibly when dealing with employees with disabilities. The regulations outline the rights of employees to certain workplace modifications, as well as different working conditions to protect their welfare. Employers are allowed to consider a disability in the recruitment process if that disability precludes the candidate's ability to carry out the main duties of the role.
Religion or belief discrimination:
The lack of specific direction in the protection of religious and other beliefs means that, for employers, behaving responsibly in regards to religious beliefs can be confusing. This is made more difficult by the fact that religious practices vary substantially. It is illegal for any employer to discriminate on grounds of religious, or even political, beliefs. There are some guidelines and advice laid out for employers, governing aspects such as prayer rooms, religious holidays, clothing and food, but communication between employee and employer is essential.
For more detailed information concerning your equal opportunities, either use the links below or speak directly to your university's careers service.
External links & resources
Advice Now - Discrimination at Work
Direct Gov - Discrimination at Work
Advice Guide - Basic Rights at Work